Chanukah Happenings
Sid Jacobson JCC, East Hills
516-484-1545 x140
There is a whole slew of family friendly Chanukah events at Sid Jacobson JCC (and even a yoga class for you parents). From their 8 Crazy Nights: Chanukah Candlelighting (all ages, FREE, Dec 1-8 5pm), to a showing of Shalom Sesame's The Missing Menorah!, Sunday, December 5, 12:30pm FREE) to the Q-Zar and Sid Jacobson JCC Celebrate the Festival of LIghts event at Q-Zar (Sunday, December 5 6:30pm-8pm, ages 7 & up, Q-Zar rates apply). Bring your menorah to light and they'll provide the sufganiot--I mean, jelly donuts.

Menorah Lighting
Triangle at route 25A & Lake Avenue
St. James
Through Dec 8 at 5pm (one exception, Friday, Dec 3 at 4pm)
The town of St. James will have a Menorah lighting outside with treats to eat as well.
 

Santa Sightings
St. James
If you hoping to catch a glimpse of Santa this weekend, head to St. James, this town is in with the jolly guy and they have a whole bunch of Santa events planned for the weekend, from appearances at the General Store, to Christmas tree lightings to breakfast with Santa. Cost and times vary.
 

24th Annual Holiday Train Display
St. James Model Railroad Club
Historic Mills Pond House, St. James
631-862-8740
Friday, Dec 4 6pm-9pm
Saturday, Dec 5 11am-5pm
Sunday, Dec 6 11am-5pm
This cool train exhibit has been 26 years in the making! It includes, ready for this, an operating subway, winter snow scene, circus with animated midway, structures built from scratch, cities, towns, mountains, valley, animated accessories and nine trains running simultaneously. Whew! Admission is $2 for adults, $.50 for children.( This venue is unfortunately not handicaped accessable.)

Annual Holiday Celebration
Old Westbury Gardens, Nassau
Saturday Dec 4 & Sunday Dec 5
10am-4pm
Take a look-see at the beautiful wreaths and holiday decorations, not to mention the antique clothing and toys on display. And for your kids? They've got crafts and Santa! Hot cider and cookies will be served on the West Porch? Doesn't that sound nice? $8 general admission, $5 seniors and children (2-12).

Santa Parade
Village of East Hampton, Suffolk
10am
Catch what may be the last parade that weather allows this season, a parade with Santa! It starts on Main Street and continues on Newtown Lane. For more details call 631-324-0362.

Stony Brook Village Holiday Festival
Stony Brook Village
631-751-2244
Sunday, Dec 5
1pm-6pm
Join the fun at the Annual Holiday Festival in Stonybrook Village. The event features the beautiful promenade of trees (you can help choose the winner), caroling and Santa will arrive by horse-drawn carriage to hear holiday wishes from 2pm-5pm. Then at 5:30pm Santa comes back to turn on the lights adorning Stony Brook's 38 foot Norway Spruce.

Port Jefferson Charles Dickens Festival
Port Jefferson
Friday, Dec 3, Saturday Dec 4, Sunday, Dec 5
Kicking off on Friday, this weekend festival is non-stop fun at many different venues. Choir concerts, performances of A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker, crafts, chocolate, model sailboat building, live reindeer....the list is just too long. You must see it yourself. Trust us, whatever your mood for weekend family fun, it's here. Check the website for times and cost.

Yuletide Family Day
Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site
Huntington Station
Sunday, Dec 5
1pm-3pm
$7/child, chaperones FREE
Face painting, cookie decorating, Santa visiting and old time interactive games and toys plus a guided tour of the home where Walt Whitman was born. Something for the kids, something for you. And at 2pm professional children's musician, Mike Soloway, will lead a holiday sing-along. To register call Carolyn at 631-427-5240 x 113 or email: educator@waltwhitman.org
 

The Circus Project Hanukkah Show
Suffolk Y JCC, Commack
Sunday, Dec 5
1:30pm-3:15pm
Juggling, candlelighting, dreidels and chocolate gelt plus a chance to workshop with the circus performers. Super cool Hanukkah fun. $15, call to make reservations, 631-833-3057.

For more holiday inspiration, check out our Holiday Guide.